a16z Podcast | Apple Takes on Payments and Your Wrist | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Apple introduces larger iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Pay, focusing on ease of use and security.

Key Insights

• 🌥️ Apple is addressing the demand for larger screens with the introduction of the iPhone 6 Plus, acknowledging the success of larger Android devices in the high-end market.
• 👶 The new iPhones have higher pixel density, allowing for flexible screen sizes and a smoother transition for apps that haven't been updated for the new models.
• 💁 Apple Pay aims to simplify and secure the payment process, using NFC technology and a unique token system to protect user information.

Transcript

Read and summarize the transcript of this video on Glasp Reader (beta).

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Apple address the demand for larger screens with the new iPhone 6 models?

Apple acknowledges the demand for larger screens and introduces the iPhone 6 Plus with a 4.7-inch screen, catering to users who want a bigger phone. The new models also have higher pixel density, allowing for a smoother transition in terms of screen size.

Q: How does Apple Pay work and what are its security measures?

Apple Pay utilizes NFC technology and a unique token system to secure payment transactions. Users can add their credit cards to their iPhone and make payments by waving their phone at NFC-enabled retailers. The system does not store actual card numbers and allows users to remotely wipe their payment information if their phone is lost or stolen.

Q: Does Apple plan to build a community within its Apple Watch platform?

Apple has struggled with social and community-based features in the past, like Ping and Game Center. It remains to be seen if Apple will make another attempt at creating a built-in community within the Apple Watch platform. However, existing fitness and health apps that have successful communities are unlikely to be replaced.

Q: How does Apple's approach to the watch differ from Android Wear?

Apple's Apple Watch aims to be a standalone device, while Android Wear serves as a remote screen for Android devices. Apple's watch focuses on a variety of use cases and is capable of running apps, while Android Wear is primarily focused on displaying and interacting with notifications.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Apple releases two new models, the iPhone 6 Plus with a larger 4.7-inch screen and the iPhone 6 with a more standard size.

• The new iPhones have higher pixel density and more pixels, allowing for a smoother transition and flexibility in screen size.

• Apple aims to compete with Android in the high-end market, acknowledging the demand for larger screens.

• Apple Pay is introduced as a secure and convenient payment system, utilizing NFC technology and a unique token system to protect user information.